WRAP UP {EDITION 4}

Hope you’re all having a cracker of a week!

We would like to send out a big HELLO + WELCOME to anyone who is new to Aussie Overlanders. Especially to the awesome overlanders and 4WD lovers we met over the weekend at the Sydney 4WD and Adventure Show.

We are on a bit of a high from the show, this glorious sunshine and runs on the beach. Life is good. Here’s what has been happening at Aussie Overlanders HQ.

TROOPY POP-TOP CONVERSION

^^ Convertible Troopy

^^ Gareth + Daniel talk electrics

^^ Troopy gutted

^^ Rusted up windscreen frame

^^ A panel beater and glass guy later… and *tadaa* all new. Plus, note the frame is now white.

^^ The shiny new roof. Ready to go on.

4WD & ADVENTURE SHOW

We were invited by Mulgo (the awesome guys doing our pop top roof conversion) to exhibit the Troopy half way through it’s pop-top conversion make-over at the 4WD and Adventure Show. Very exciting to see the Troopy ‘featuring’ at a show like that. To see people staring at him. Interested in him. And yes, even hopping inside him!

It was great to meet people who are planning overlanding trips and to meet the infamous Solmsy of the Africa Overland Network. To have people come along to say ‘Hi’ was quite something. Thanks for the support guys.

We met an awesome couple who are planning to drive Australia and Africa next year at approximately the same time as us. We are now hatching a hopeful plan to share a shipping container. And we are feeling very fortunate to have new people in our lives to share the lead up to the trip with (who will be going through the same stuff as we are).

Below are a few pics from the day. Thanks again to Daniel from Mulgo and Expedition Centre for asking us along to his stand. Legend.

^^ Meeting Solmsy the creator of the incredible The Africa Overland Network

TRIP BUDGET

Recently we were asked a question that left us a little stuck for words… “If you don’t mind me asking, how much are you guys budgeting each day for the trip?” Months ago the answer to that question would have been on the tips of our tongues. Now? Things have changed. Expectations altered. Ideas shifted. In that moment I knew it was time for a refresher on our overall budget, including the daily budget. And so it was time to sit down and spend a night with an excel spreadsheet.

Our technique has been to first review what others have spent, and then to factor in our own circumstance (where we will be shipping from, insurance for our older car) and personal nuances (we are keen to mix up with bush camping and a pinch of luxury).

For anyone planning a trip (or if you are just interested!) here are a few useful resources:

- Langebaan Sunset published a 2011 budget of Europe – West – Lower East Africa

- We have had a friend provide his spend on a 2008 budget of Cape Town to Germany (feel free to contact us for that one)

It’s all circumstantial, however it’s interesting that total costs end up being in the same ballpark. Also, it’s very interesting that the maths backs up what we have thought for a long time – taking your time on the road only ever so slightly increases total trip costs and reduced daily spend. So, in terms of the budget (to some extent), it’s not how long you take but how far you drive.

The next step is to add in our Australian kms and Aussie daily costs into the budget. We are currently keeping a detailed record of pre-trip costs and once we are on the road we’ll record everything. And eventually share it to assist future overlanders.

BUILDING THE INTERIOR: INSPIRATION BOARD

Now that the pop-top conversion is nearly complete our efforts will shift to the interior build. Whoohoo! At this stage we have a clear idea of how we want our internal build to be.

We’ve been dreaming about it for the past 4 years! It’s something we REALLY want to get ‘right’, we want our little home on wheels to be comfortable, well-organised and seamless susan.

Keep your eye on the blog as we will post an ‘interior inspiration board’ soon.

POSTCARD FROM A MORNING RUN

Above is a ‘postcard’ from a morning run, as published in our Instagram series: Start The Day The Way You Wish It To Continue.

It’s all about starting each day off on the best foot so that the day, that you desire, ensues. We are instagramming over this way. Our user name? @aussieoverlanders

So, that’s where we are at right now.

A 4WD show, a new roof and nearly a new bed, a rehash of a budget and a dash of excitement for building the interior of the vehicle.

How has your week been? Say ‘Hi!’ in the comments below. We would love it.

Hi Pieter! Thanks so much for getting in touch + for coming by the website often.

That is SO exciting about your big trip in a few years. At this stage are you thinking east coast or west coast? Do you have a 4×4 or will you be buying one?

Yes, the Travel Maniacs Troopy is amazing! But we got our initial inspiration from a few other sites. And we have been sketching our dream layout since 2008 when we first met! There is a site called http://www.o-r-b.ch in Switzerland that is packed to the brim of ideas. And then just last week we came across Jeroen’s layout.

Thanks SO much for the generous offer to stay over when we get to Cape Town. We do have a couple of friends in CT but it would be great to meet when we are there!

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"Well, you got to us. After inspiring us to get out, buy the car and travel around Queensland last year, now we are looking into Cape Town to London. Have started pre-planning (by which I mean sitting here scratching our heads and wondering where the hell we start. Thanks for the blogs, and the inspiration" TAF + SUSAN, AUSTRALIA

"Inspired much? Well, let me just tell you that I’m sitting at my office desk having just caught up with the wrap ups….And I’m ready to chuck it all in, jump in the 4WD and go" NICOLE, AUSTRALIA

"One of the best things that has happen to my family and myself was meeting you both. We love hearing and seeing where you go and how you are just keep doing what you are doing guys" MIKE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

"This is totally and absolutely awesome! I am really excited and I’m not the one even doing it. Keep the updates coming guys" HELEN, DUSTY SOLES AUSTRALIA

"Your pre-trip blog is one of the best, so can't wait to read about your adventures" MARTIN, AFRICA OVERLAND NETWORK, AUSTRALIA

"Don't know you guys from a bar of soap, but just needed to say you BOTH impress the hell out of me! Very inspiring what you're doing! Love the photos, love all the little (& big) alterations, additions, customizations etc ... Keep them coming. Go well, the both of you!" ANDREW, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

"I’m so glad we met you two in Nepal and get to hear all about this journey.Will be following your blog and really look forward to soaking up the inspiration from your adventure. The vehicle looks like it will make a comfy cozy home. Good luck" DEANNA, CANADA

"Sounds like an awesome trek, stay safe and have a great time. Your blog is an inspiration for us all to get on and plan the next big adventure" DARREN, AWESOMEDUDE.COM

"When you get to Cape Town I want a coffee off that stove please…." + "South Africa is waiting for you and it’s in no rush….ever" CRAIG, SOUTH AFRICA

"Looking forward to following your travels. We’ve been up Africa as far as Tanzania but plan to do the whole route….one day. Keen to check out your Australian trip side too. Bon voyage" MAXINE, SOUTH AFRICA

"Love, love your kitchen! So supercool" + "Nicely written. Love the idea of pinning the master TO DO list to the wall. We have like ten different lists on the computer, which makes me frantically going from one to the other making sure we do not forget anything" ERICA, ON THE ROAD

"I feel like I discovered your blog just in time! I’ll definitely be following along on this adventure of yours. The Aussie section of the trip is something my husband and I are desperate to do. I’m really looking forward to seeing your photos and hearing your stories!" FIONA, LIFE IN BRIEF, AUSTRALIA

"Looking good guys. Things are falling into place" ADAM, AUSTRALIA

"Good luck! Really love your go-gettin’ attitude! Be good to see you on the road..." DIANA, UK

"I am following your preparations with big interest. We are from South Africa an plan to do the trip north after retirement in a few years time. When you get close to Cape Town make contact with us" PIETER + MARGRIET

"Looks incredible! Enjoy your adventures!! xxx" HAYLEY, AUSTRALIA

"Going to enjoy following your trip. One day we plan to do likewise from Ireland. Safe travels" KIWI 4X4, NEW ZEALAND

"Have just come across your page and can't wait to hear more about your adventures! Happy Travels" TRIPTIDE AUSTRALIA

"Having lived in Kenya for 16 years I long to head back and do a massive African road trip. You guys are living the dream - good for you! Look forward to following you on your travels!!" SIMON, TRAVELLER-AT-LARGE

"I wish I could do a similar trip. You guys are living the dream. No matter how exhausted you may get just keep on going. Never give cause for regrets. All the best" JOHNATHAN, AUSTRALIA

"The world is yours. Go get it!" KEN, AUSTRALIA

"Drive Safely. Explore Wildly" SAUERMAN, SYDNEY

"What you’re doing is really living. You’re about to have the time of your life." KATE, BRISBANE

"Reading your blog reminds me just how lucky we are to live in this great country, everyone should get out their and see it.
We look forward to reading more about your travels. Hope you have a great trip." MATTHEW, DIONNE, ETHAN + JADE